10 Ideas for Decorating Over The Bed

Looking through ideas for decorating over the bed can be exciting, but it often leaves you more confused than inspired by the time you’re done.

When you’re trying to finish a bedroom design, that blank space above the headboard always seems too big or too hard to get just right.

You hang one thing, and then it looks too small. Hang something bigger, and suddenly it feels like it’s towering over the whole room.

You think about shelves, but worry they’ll fall. Mirrors look nice, but they show too much light or clutter from other parts of the room.

Trying to make it cozy without looking cluttered becomes a challenge that makes the whole wall feel like a problem you don’t know how to fix.

Even pictures or frames can end up crooked or mismatched, which takes away from the peaceful feeling you want your bedroom to have.

It’s frustrating when you want something simple, but every choice feels too bold, boring, or doesn’t match the rest of your space.

You might even leave the wall blank for months because you can’t decide what actually looks right without doing too much.

And buying decor without a plan leads to things sitting in storage or getting returned, which is a waste of time and money.

So, I’m going to share some easy ideas that bring charm, balance, and a finished look without stressing over every little detail.

Make A Gallery Wall

One way to add some character to your bedroom is by creating a gallery wall. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personality through art.

It doesn’t have to be anything big. Create a mini art gallery above the bed for a display of your favorite pieces and to add a touch of whimsy.

Create a gallery wall by arranging a collection of smaller artworks, mirrors, or framed photographs in a visually appealing layout.

These could be sentimental and collected pieces that have meaning and bring you joy when you look at them.

Add A Great Piece Of Artwork

Adding artwork above a bed is an excellent way to decorate the space and enhance the overall ambiance of a bedroom.

Artwork naturally draws attention and serves as a focal point in a room. Placing a visually appealing piece above the bed immediately creates a point of interest that anchors the space and adds character to the room.

Artwork allows you to introduce colors, patterns, and styles that complement your bedroom’s design scheme.

It can tie together different elements of the room and contribute to a cohesive look.

Add Wainscotting Or Shiplap To The Wall

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider adding wainscotting or shiplap to your wall. The textured look is trendy and adds an interesting dynamic to any bedroom.

Adding wainscoting or shiplap as an accent is a simple way to dress the wall. Doing it halfway up the wall all around or just behind a bed can have a big impact.

When wainscoting is added behind the bed, it acts as a framing element that highlights the bed as the centerpiece of the room.

The raised panels or beadboard texture of wainscoting provides visual texture and contrast to the wall. This contrast can emphasize the design of the bed itself, whether it’s upholstered, wooden, or metal.

Add A Mirror

Adding a mirror above a bed can be a stylish and functional choice that enhances the overall design of a bedroom in several ways.

Mirrors have the incredible ability to create the illusion of a larger and more open space. Placing a mirror above the bed can visually expand the room, making it feel more spacious, especially in smaller bedrooms.

A well-chosen mirror can add drama and elegance to the bedroom. A large ornate mirror, for instance, can lend a touch of sophistication and luxury to the space.

The reflection in the mirror creates a sense of depth, contributing to a layered and visually interesting design. This is especially valuable in minimalist or monochromatic bedrooms.

Add Shelving

Well, coming from California (in the past) I would never had said to do this one but now living in the South I seem to gravitate towards floating shelves now. I love this simple and easy way to display favorite things.

Shelves above the bed make use of otherwise unused vertical space, maximizing storage and display potential without taking up valuable floor space.

Shelves are perfect for showcasing your favorite decor pieces, such as framed photos, artwork, sculptures, and collectibles. This adds a personal touch and makes the room feel more like home.

If your bed is centered in the room, adding shelving on either side can create a sense of symmetry and balance in the design.

Use A Decorative Folding Screen

Oh how I love old screens and I love that you can move them when you change your mood. Placing one behind the bed (wood or fabric covered) is a great “replacement” for a headboard.

Many folding screens come with intricate patterns, textures, or materials like fabric, metal, wood, or even translucent materials. This introduces tactile and visual diversity to the room’s design.

A decorative folding screen is often a statement piece that can transform the entire atmosphere of the bedroom.

A folding screen can serve as an artistic alternative to a traditional headboard. Its vertical presence adds height and drama to the bed, creating a sense of grandeur.

Use A Canopy Bed

A designer’s dream is to have a canopy bed in a bedroom! It is so regal and majestic and just creates a luxurious feel.

Adding a canopy above a bed can bring a touch of luxury, romance, and sophistication to the overall design of a bedroom.

Canopies create a natural focal point in the room, drawing attention to the bed and making it the star of the space. This can anchor the design and provide a clear visual center.

A canopy draws the eye upward toward the ceiling, making the room feel taller and more spacious. This can be particularly effective in rooms with lower ceilings.

Nature Inspired Decor

Adding nature-inspired decor above a bed can infuse a sense of tranquility, warmth, and organic beauty into the overall design of a bedroom.

Nature-inspired decor, such as botanical prints, landscapes, or elements like leaves and branches, can create a calming and serene atmosphere in the bedroom, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.

Natural motifs and textures add a layer of organic aesthetics to the room’s design. These elements can soften the space and create a more harmonious and inviting environment.

Hang A Personalized Decorative Piece

Hanging personalized decor above a bed is a wonderful way to infuse your bedroom with a sense of individuality, nostalgia, and personal connection.

This allows you to showcase your unique identity, interests, and personality. It’s a way to create a space that truly feels like “you.”

Personalized decor can tell a story about your life, experiences, and passions. It becomes a visual representation of your journey and the things that matter most to you.

Personalized decor often holds sentimental value. Hanging items that have special meaning or memories above your bed can foster a strong emotional connection to the space.

Decorating over the bed is a wonderful opportunity to add personality and design flair to your bedroom.

From creating a statement gallery wall or accent wall, to incorporating nature-inspired decor or personalized decorative pieces, there are countless ways to add visual interest and style to the space above your bed.

By carefully considering your personal taste and the overall design aesthetic of your bedroom, you can select the perfect over the bed decor options to create a dynamic, cohesive, and visually stunning room.

So, don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your bedroom decor – the space above your bed is just waiting to be transformed into a beautiful work of art!